Most of us hand the keys over and sit in the waiting room, so the MOT itself can feel like a mystery. Knowing what the tester actually looks at makes it much easier to understand any failures or advisories on the report. An MOT covers dozens of checks across seven core areas and usually takes 45 to 60 minutes. Here is a plain-English walkthrough of the whole process.
Who Is Allowed to Carry Out an MOT?
Only garages that have been officially approved by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) can perform MOT tests. These are called Authorised Testing Facilities, and you will spot them by the blue three-triangles logo on the premises.
On top of that, the individual tester must hold their own DVSA authorisation. So even in an approved garage, only specific people can legally issue a pass or fail. If you want to double-check a garage's credentials, use the MOT garage search tool on gov.uk.
The Seven Areas Covered in Every MOT
An MOT test works through seven main categories:
- Brakes: Performance and balance are measured on a brake roller, and the tester visually inspects pads, discs, and brake lines.
- Steering and suspension: Examined for excessive play, worn bushes, and damaged parts.
- Visibility: The windscreen, wipers, mirrors, and screen washers are all checked.
- Lights: Every bulb is tested for function and condition, and headlight aim is checked.
- Tyres and wheels: Tread depth, tyre condition, and wheel security are all assessed.
- Seatbelts: Each belt is checked for correct operation, physical condition, and proper locking mechanism.
- Exhaust and emissions: The exhaust is visually inspected for leaks and a tailpipe test measures emission levels.
Get free quotes from qualified mechanics near you — no obligation, response within 48h.
Get my free quote →Understanding the Result Categories
Since May 2018, MOT results are split into five categories:
- Pass: Your car meets the required standard. There may still be advisory notes.
- Advisory: Something is starting to wear but is not bad enough to cause a failure yet. It gets noted for you to keep an eye on.
- Minor: A defect that does not seriously impact safety or the environment. The car still passes, but you should sort it out soon.
- Major: A defect that could affect safety or has an environmental impact. The car fails, and you cannot legally drive it on the road until the repair is done.
- Dangerous: A defect that poses an immediate threat. The car fails and absolutely must not be driven until it is repaired.
Looking Up a Car's MOT History Online
The DVSA runs a free MOT history checker on gov.uk. Pop in a registration number and you can see every past test result, the mileage recorded at each MOT, any failures, and all advisory notices. It is a brilliant tool when you are buying a used car.
The same tool shows the current MOT expiry date, so you always know when the next test is due. When looking at a car you are thinking of buying, the MOT history can reveal mileage discrepancies that hint at clocking, or repeated failures on the same part, which may point to an underlying problem the seller has not mentioned.